Repositioning APGA for National Leadership

By Emeka Ozumba

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which prides itself as the foremost progressive political party in Nigeria, was mirred in controversy and unending legal tango across court rooms in Nigeria prior to the election of the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chukwuma Soludo, CFR; and subsequent election of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa as National Chairman at the party's National Convention on May  31, 2023. As at the last count, there were said to be over 50 court cases most of which were seeking determination of the authentic National Chairman with the most baffling ruling coming out of a Court in Birnin-Kudu,  Jigawa State.

Whereas doomsday scenarios were being fanned out by pessimists about the future of APGA, the new national executive led by Sly Ezeokenwa, bouyed by the mandate of the party and the national leader, set forth at inception to change the perception of a fractured party to that of a positive pan-Nigerian profile befitting it's motto: Be Your Brothers and Sisters Keeper! As the national executive of APGA marks one year on the saddle, it goes without saying that the ship of the party has been steadied through share diplomacy and accommodation of all as well as deft management of the party affairs inspite of subsisting challenges. 

On the trail of APGA progress within the period, some wonder where the current APGA National Chairman got the dexterity for political party administration. Well, Sly is a scion of the pioneer APGA Local Government Chairman, Onitsha South, Chief Sylvester Okenwa Snr;  aknowledged by many for exemplary dedication and selfless leadership of the party. As the saying goes, "the apple never falls far from the tree," having learned at the feet of his father, Sly's staying power and deft leadership skills

are evident in his patience, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty.

A towering and unassuming young man, sharpened by mentorship and invaluable experience, his intellingence belies his age. Ezeokenwa's philosophy of service and value, is a life shaped by a near death experience long ago. Hence, he has continued to live by these principles in and out of politics.

Fondly called Sly by friends and associates,

Ezeokenwa  started out as the APGA State Legal Adviser, and carried with him the knowledge and treasure troove of the party's history he learned from his father to the legal office where he acted as the clearing house for all the court cases as APGA's National Legal Adviser. He also doubled as an aide to the immediate past National Charman of APGA, Ozonkpu, Sir, Victor Oye whose tenure was largely in the eye of the storm.

As a forward looking political party, Ezeokenwa and his team embarked on "DRIVE APGA" campaign which is an acronym for Discipline! Repositioning! Inclusivity, Visibility and Expansion! They set out by quietly consulting and re-intrgrating stakeholders across Nigeria to the fold. Again, recognizing the import of the bourgeoning youth population and its impact on the Nigerian political lanscape, they're set to commence digital registration to drive membership, and the mainstreaming of young persons to have a sense of belonging and provide leadership. A typical ingredient, is the party's concept of reducing the cost of Nomination to Office by 50% to encourage youth aspirants. 

Ezeokenwa believes that APGA has shown exemplery leadership and profound developmental credentials since the party took the reign of leadership in Anambra State in 2006; stressing that Soludo's record of achievents in two years is a testimonial to the party's ideology of leaving no Nigerian behind through people-based development programmes across health, education, agriculture, human capital, infrastructure development  and workers welfare. As the thirty-one national executives of APGA led by Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa marks one year in office, it is safe to assume that the newly repositioned APGA is on a sustainable path to achieving a leadership of Nigeria's dream. 

A P.G.A! APGA!!!

Ozumba writes from Ward-4 Urunnebo, Enugwu-Ukwu.

Anambra New Permanent Secretaries Hold Training, Brainstorm On The Soludo Mandate, Others

By Ejike Abana

The 18 newly appointed permanent secretaries in Anambra have been tasked on aiding to fulfil the vision and mandate of the Governor Soludo-led administration.

During the opening ceremony of the two days capacity building training held in Awka, Anambra State Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Okwy Igwegbe urged the permanent secretaries to tailor all activities according to the plan of the present administration.

Barrister Igwegbe who made a presentation on "Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (ASCSSIP) (2022-2025)", reminded them that their appointment was based on merit, pointing out that it is a privilege that they were appointed out of the over thirty thousand civil servants.

She went on to remind the participants that the training was borne out of the need for improved efficiency and productivity in service delivery in Anambra State Civil Service, as well as a result of the dynamic nature of today's world, which requires that adaptation and improvement be continuous exercises even in areas where laudable feats may have been recorded in times past.

While urging them to execute their job with much zeal, the Head of Service encouraged them not to drag their feet in executing and implementing government mandate and policies.

Barrister Igwegbe asked them not to work in silos, but arm themselves with what she described as five pillars that drive the service, including, capacity building, performance management, service delivery, anti-corruption and staff welfare, which all work, dependent of each other.

Barrister Igwegbe mentioned a number of improvements that has been brought into the system including the gradual movement to digital service, performance management which is an improvement of what obtained in the past, among others, asking them to always ensure to identify the skills, knowledge, passion and interest of people working with them and make it a must to link it to rewards and punishment where necessary in their various places of assignment.

"It is all about using 20 percent to achieve 80 percent in your area of call.

In this job, monitoring and evaluation is important, just as Mr. Governor would always say that if you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it.

"This administration took a look at the challenges facing the service, with a view to tackling them.

"As a civil servant, you are being paid for your time and skills, as such, mismanagement of work hours for personal activities affect the civil service. Hard work doesn't kill someone", said Barrister Igwegbe.

She however emphasized that the mandate is an agenda with a deadline.

Some of the participants including, Dr. Nwabufo Nwankwo, Engr. Martin Agbili and Mr Joachin Acho expressed satisfaction over the import of the workshop, which they explained has energized them more through a better understanding of their core mandate.

They variously assured of giving their best in the service of Anambra State.

The workshop has as its theme, "Strategic leadership: Thriving through challenges and opportunities in governance".

Recall that on March 2024, Governor Soludo identified excellent and high-performing individuals in different fields within the service, appointed and inaugurated them as permanent secretaries after a rigorous appointment process.

Nri Elects Chief Romanus Okafor As President General Of Nri Progressive Union

By Ejike Abana

In a historic moment for the ancient kingdom of Nri, Anaocha Council Area, the General Election has come to a close, with the people electing Chief Romanus Okafor as the new President General of Nri Progressive Union, NPU.

The process has been grinding, with a long list of candidates vying for various posts at the Nri Unity Hall.

This marks the twelfth Presidential General Election since the Union, and it has been another significant demonstration of the voting power of ndị Nri as they braved the long tiring process to vote for their favoured candidates.

At the Nri General Assembly, shortly before stepping down, the outgoing executives, led by the President General, Chief Kevin Obaegbunam, called for ratification of Chief Sylvester Odogwu and Uzoegbu Godwin as Chairman and Secretary of the Electoral Panel.

Chairmen of the respective villages in Nri submitted one name each, to serve as members of the electoral panel.

The villages including Agbadana, Diodo, Ekwenanyika, Obeagu, Uruofolo and Uruoji later took turns to cast votes for the positions of President General, Vice President General, Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General in a secret ballot system.

Other positions of Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Secretary and Protocol and Welfare Officer were zoned out.

As the votes were counted, tension and anticipation grew. Finally, the results were announced, and Chief Moses Enujiugha polled a total of five hundred and fifty eight votes, conceding to Chief Okafor who scored five hundred and seventy-three votes to emerge winner.

The crowds gathered to cheer the new leader, whose first message was one of peace, unity and inclusiveness.

The new President General, Chief Okafor expressed gratitude to the people, the electoral panel, and the other candidates for participating in the democratic process, promising to work hard to meet the enormous expectations of ndị Nri who had elected him and to bring change and prosperity to the Community.

The former President General of NPU, Chief Obaegbunam who enumerated their achievements in office, voiced his hopes that the new administration will deliver on its promises of progress and development for all, adding that the new leadership of NPU now has a critical task to bring the community together and to provide the much-needed leadership to take the community to greater heights.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne represented by Chief Mike Okechukwu who played observatory roles in the election, revealed that the interest of government is for peace and progress to reign in all Anambra Communities and tasked the new executives on working for the good of ndị Nri in particular and Anambra state in general.

According to Barr. Chukwuemeka Oli, as all fingers are crossed on what to expect from the freshly elected leadership, the people of Nri are ready to rally behind the new President-General as the Community enters a new dawn for their future.

Chief Chibuzo Oli also polled a total of seven hundred and fifty seven votes to emerge Vice President of NPU, while Mr. Maduakonam Amaechina emerged as Secretary General of NPU.

Anambra State Government Receives Donation of Brand New Innoson Security Vehicles

By Ejike Abana

In a move aimed at enhancing security in Anambra State, the state government has taken delivery of ten brand new units of Innoson vehicles.

The vehicles which are fully equipped with security gadgets such as sirens, public address systems, and radio communication were delivered by the Anambra Security Trust Fund at the Government House, Awka.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Anambra State Security Trust Fund, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu performed the handover of the vehicles which were received by the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Chikodi Anara, flanked by Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi (Rtd). 

Also handed over were refurbished security vehicles and armoured personnel carrier as well as ten bedroom bungalow mechanic residences.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Anyaegbu appreciated Governor Soludo for the support and encouragement, explaining that the donation is the first batch out of the proposed one hundred units to be supplied to officers of Anambra Vigilante Group in all nooks and crannies of the state.

Chief Anyaegbu expressed trust in AVG to intensify efforts in doing their job, appreciating the members of the public who donated generously to the Trust Fund.

He noted that such donations have contributed in aiding the security work in the state and encouraged them to do more, to entrench enhanced security in the homeland.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Anara recalled that prior to the advent of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration, seven local government areas in the South and one in the North Senatorial Zone of the state were under siege by hoodlums, stressing that due to architecture put in place by the present administration, the situation has witnessed tremendous improvement.

While assuring that the vehicles will be used to boost their security patrols and respond to emergencies, Chief Anara expressed gratitude for the gesture, adding that security will always remain a top priority for the Soludo-led government.

Recall that the state government has invested heavily in security infrastructure and training of security personnel to combat crime.

The donation of the security vehicles has received widespread appreciation from citizens and stakeholders, who have hailed it as a significant step towards enhancing security in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu as well as the Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Daniel-Scott Ofoneme were also present at the hand over ceremony.

UNIZIK Honours Soludo's Press Secretary, Aburime, Lauds Him For Being Innovative

By Ejike Abana

The Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime has been honoured with an award of honour in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the growth and development of the Anambra state and the society at large.

The award was given in a ceremony held at the Faculty of Education of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, which was attended by top government officials, media representatives and friends.

The award of honour was in recognition of his immense contribution towards education and humanity.

According to the organizers of the event, led by the ESAN Chief of Staff, Comrade Anthony Icheku, the award is given to recognise the brilliance, innovation and dedication of the Press Secretary who have shown exceptional performance in his line of duty and have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the society.

Comrade Icheku, during the award ceremony, thanked the press secretary for his hard work and unwavering commitment to the objectives of the government, noting that the state has witnessed tremendous progress under Governor Soludo's leadership, and the role of the press secretary in disseminating information to the public cannot be overemphasised.

The Press Secretary, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Governor and the organisers of the event.

He noted that the award will serve as a motivation to continue to work hard and strive for excellence in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. Aburime further pledged to continue to work towards promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state through effective communication with the public.

The award ceremony was filled with congratulatory messages and accolades for the Press Secretary, who is widely regarded as a hardworking and diligent professional who has contributed significantly to the growth of the media industry in the state.

The award of honour to the Press Secretary is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the state, and it is hoped that it will inspire more people to work hard and contribute their quota to the growth of their respective communities.

ASMATA Inaugurates Aguleri Timber Dealers And Building Material Accessories Association

By Esther Asoanya

The newly constituted caretaker committee of Aguleri Timber Dealers and Building Materials Accessories Association has been inaugurated and adopted into the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA.

The President General ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna performed the function.

While addressing the caretaker committee members, Chief Anuna enjoined them to unite and work with one voice in order to surmount challenges that may come their way.

He commended them for their ability to coordinate themselves and come up with the idea of being part of the market union, saying that it will give them the opportunity to draw government attention to their market, as well as other benefits from the government.

The President General asked them to place God first in all they do and reminded them of the need to carry all their members along in the scheme of things.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the caretaker committee, Chief Kingsley Obadiegwu while thanking the ASMATA President General and his members for accepting them promised to abide by the rules guiding the association.

He spoke on the challenges they face in the market which prompted the idea of joining the Association and expressed hope that with the new step and ASMATA presence in their market, there will be peace and orderliness in their market.

Others who spoke at the inauguration include, the Oyi Zonal Chairman of ASMATA, Mr Peter Nwankwo and the Secretary, Aguleri Timber Dealers and Building Material Accessories Association, Mr Boniface Okagbue.

The Chairman Board of Trustee of the Association ..Chief udoba Anaekwe, expressed joy on their new status as members of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, and promised to contribute their quota in the movement to better markets in the State.

FG Set To Revamp Steel Sector, Overhaul MTI, Onitsha

By Ejike Abana

The Federal Government is set to revamp Nigeria's steel sector to enhance the economy, create employment opportunities and speed towards industrialization. 

Nigeria's Minister of State for Steel, Uba Maigari Ahmadu stated this during an official visit to Anambra State.

During the visit, the Minister paid a familiarisation visit to Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia. 

The Minister said he takes pride Governor Soludo and recognizes Anambra as a cluster of industrial development in the country and extended a hand of fellowship to the State government.

Recieving the Minister, Governor Soludo commended the present administration for putting their hands on what is important, expressing optimism that the present government will put things in place to unleash the great potentials of the country.

The Minister was earlier conducted round facilities at the Metallurgical Training Institute, MTI, Onitsha where he decried the mad rush for certificates among young Nigerians and expressed optimism that the state government would help scale up interest in skill acquisition and liaise with the institute, as a way to eradicate poverty.

He revealed that it was the first facility tour the Ministry was embarking under his watch, saying that the visit was a result of carefully planned agenda.

He added that the present administration is passionate about the steel sector and assured that MTI, Onitsha would get serious attention under the leadership of President Tinubu while thinking outside the box within their limited resources.

Earlier, the Director and Chief Executive, MTI, Onitsha, Mr. Bode Fakuade, solicited for increased government attention towards the Institute by way of putting more infrastructure as well as funding, saying that it will go a long way to impact skills on the young people thereby solving restiveness.

The Minister was also received at Innoson Motors, Nnewi by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma who expressed readiness to support the federal government's drive to reposition the sector.

The Minister and his entourage also paid a courtesy call on the Traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka.